Joe Rogan has commentated live UFC fights all over the world, from Madison Square Garden in New York City to the Tokyo Dome in Japan. Yet his favorite venue for watching live fights might surprise people.
During a conversation with actor Luke Grimes on his popular Joe Rogan Experience podcast, the longtime UFC commentator got to talking about some of his favorite settings to call live fights. He talked at length about the energy of the crowd at MMA events in Japan, and also named Madison Square Garden as a great place to watch fights. However, he said his favorite is the UFC Apex.
His choice is bound to drum up controversy among fans.
The UFC Apex came into existence during the pandemic, and because it was too small to host a real crowd, became the perfect place to host live events during the health crisis. However, many fans have grown tired of watching fights there, as it deprives fighters of the opportunity to compete in front of big crowds.
Rogan commentated several major fights at UFC Apex, including Francis Ngannou’s heavyweight title win over Stipe Miocic. While he hasn’t called a fight there in years, he recalls the way you could hear things you couldn’t hear in a packed stadium or arena. For that reason, he says it’s his favorite place to watch a fight.
Joe Rogan says UFC Apex is favorite place to watch fights
“You’re right there,” Rogan said of watching fights at the UFC Apex. “You hear them breathing. You hear the grunts when they get hit. You hear the coaches yelling out… They’re yelling out instructions and there’s no one else there. It’s silent. It’s amazing. That’s my favorite.
“There’s something about an amazing crowd when you’re watching a big world title fight in Vegas,” he continued. “Madison Square Garden’s an incredible place just cause of the history. You feel it when you’re in Madison Square Garden — but my favorite is the Apex.”
Joe Rogan will next be at the commentary desk for UFC 327, which goes down on April 11 in Miami.